‘IBB Golf Course Revamp Will Unleash Youth Potential, Int’l Tournaments’

The ongoing rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club has ignited a wave of optimism, with Dr. Peter Deshi, Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), highlighting its profound economic importance for Nigerian youth and the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dr. Deshi, speaking enthusiastically after the commencement of works, underscored the long-term vision behind the project, positioning golf as a significant, untapped resource for national development.

“It’s a great day for Nigeria, for Nigerian sports, for Nigerian golf, and most importantly, for Nigerian youth,” Dr. Deshi declared, his passion for the sport evident. He emphasised that the upgrade, coming 35 years after the club’s initial construction to encourage diplomatic presence in Abuja, is not merely about restoring a sporting facility but about fostering a new generation of professional athletes and attracting substantial international investment.

Dr. Deshi drew a compelling comparison between golf and football, asserting that golf holds “better potential than football if we harness it properly.” He elaborated on the unique advantage golf offers: “For you to play in Man City, you need to go to the UK. For you to play in Real Madrid, you need to go to Spain. In golf, you can stay in your village and go to attend tournaments in Madrid or tournaments in Manchester or tournaments in India and return the next weekend.” This flexibility, he argued, allows professional golfers to reside locally, participate in lucrative international tournaments, and bring substantial foreign exchange back into their communities.

Imagine, he posited, “200 Nigerian professional golfers located in various parts of Nigeria, and once a month, they move out and bring some money.” This vision paints a picture of decentralised wealth creation, directly impacting local economies and contributing significantly to the national GDP without the prerequisite of costly international relocation for athletes.

The closure of the club, though inconvenient for members, was “necessitated and very essential,” Dr. Deshi explained. He stressed that without this pause, the comprehensive rehabilitation, crucial for bringing the course up to international standards, would not have been possible. As golf is now an Olympic sport, the upgrade is vital for Nigeria to “earnestly try to train young golfers to represent Nigeria at the Olympics and other international tournaments.”

A cornerstone of this rehabilitation is the intention to “return international tournaments to Abuja and to Nigeria. “This move is pivotal for Nigerian professionals, as hosting such events will grant them the necessary licenses and exposure to participate in global competitions. Once we organise international tournaments, they will now be licensed to participate in international tournaments outside Nigeria. For now, we do not have,” Dr. Deshi lamented. He stressed that the revamped course will provide a “tournament that is respected worldwide and gives them the card to participate in all other tournaments in the world.”

The benefits, he affirmed, will lead to “multiple streams of funds, money coming to several professionals, much more than football, I can tell you.” He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of FCT for their commitment to this transformative project.

The urgency of the rehabilitation is also driven by a significant upcoming event: the Lady Golfers Association of Nigeria (LGAN) is slated to host the entire African continent in November. Dr. Deshi is confident that the contractors are fully aware of the tight deadline and the imperative to complete the job in time to meet this crucial international commitment. The successful completion of the IBB International Golf and Country Club’s rehabilitation is eagerly anticipated, promising a vibrant future for Nigerian golf, its youth, and the nation’s economic landscape.